Love it!!!
Jim
Check it out HERE!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Master Mentor #24
Chapter 23 (Book 4, Chapter 1)
Here CS begins to tackle some of the issues of Theology as it relates to our relationship with God. But first, he makes the case for theology as being important. The argument that he made for the importance of thinking these things through is still true today.
Most people run in horror from the idea of Theology. They begin to get images in their heads of old guys sitting around a large table spread out with lots of books and assorted papers all of which are old and dusty and having a conversation that no one understands. But from what CS says… and I happen to agree… you can’t even bow your help to offer a simple prayer for a meal without having answered a few questions and in so participated in theology.
Recently, we have begun having theological questions as part of our youth ministry week. On Sunday mornings, we have a time in our program called “Coffeehouse.” Part of the function of Coffeehouse is to be a place for students to go and have conversation. Recently, we have begun to tackle some of the deeper theological questions like “Who do you think God is? What do you believe about Jesus? Why did Jesus have to rise from the dead? Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do in our lives?” Then we open up the discussion to those who are present and allow them to have conversation. Most of their time is spent trying to “give me the right answer.” I keep telling them that I won’t tell them the right answers. But I guide them in the right direction. They need to arrive at the right answers through their own study of the Scriptures… which we are encouraging every week. Part of my hope is that they get so tired of questions that they begin to go looking for answers in the only place that they can truly be found: The Bible. For instance, a couple of weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit. Most of the answers to their questions can be started from the book of John. The hope that through encouragement, they would begin to investigate the questions and think about the answers before they are in a situation where the person asking the questions won’t be as helpful.
But as I read this chapter, in part I thought about Coffeehouse. CS says this, “Everyone reads, everyone hears things discussed. Consequently, if you do not listen to Theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean that you have a lot of wrong ones – bad, muddled, out-of-date ideas” (page. 137).
He’s right. There are a lot of people that have ideas about God. Ideas that are dead wrong. But we don’t know what the right ideas are because many of us have not taken the time to ask the questions, have the conversations and find the answers. Including many students. And then, as we have heard so often, they get to college where the big, bad professors are waiting to blow down their faith house. And in part, what we have heard is true. Which is why we need to have the conversations now.
Jim
Here CS begins to tackle some of the issues of Theology as it relates to our relationship with God. But first, he makes the case for theology as being important. The argument that he made for the importance of thinking these things through is still true today.
Most people run in horror from the idea of Theology. They begin to get images in their heads of old guys sitting around a large table spread out with lots of books and assorted papers all of which are old and dusty and having a conversation that no one understands. But from what CS says… and I happen to agree… you can’t even bow your help to offer a simple prayer for a meal without having answered a few questions and in so participated in theology.
Recently, we have begun having theological questions as part of our youth ministry week. On Sunday mornings, we have a time in our program called “Coffeehouse.” Part of the function of Coffeehouse is to be a place for students to go and have conversation. Recently, we have begun to tackle some of the deeper theological questions like “Who do you think God is? What do you believe about Jesus? Why did Jesus have to rise from the dead? Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do in our lives?” Then we open up the discussion to those who are present and allow them to have conversation. Most of their time is spent trying to “give me the right answer.” I keep telling them that I won’t tell them the right answers. But I guide them in the right direction. They need to arrive at the right answers through their own study of the Scriptures… which we are encouraging every week. Part of my hope is that they get so tired of questions that they begin to go looking for answers in the only place that they can truly be found: The Bible. For instance, a couple of weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit. Most of the answers to their questions can be started from the book of John. The hope that through encouragement, they would begin to investigate the questions and think about the answers before they are in a situation where the person asking the questions won’t be as helpful.
But as I read this chapter, in part I thought about Coffeehouse. CS says this, “Everyone reads, everyone hears things discussed. Consequently, if you do not listen to Theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean that you have a lot of wrong ones – bad, muddled, out-of-date ideas” (page. 137).
He’s right. There are a lot of people that have ideas about God. Ideas that are dead wrong. But we don’t know what the right ideas are because many of us have not taken the time to ask the questions, have the conversations and find the answers. Including many students. And then, as we have heard so often, they get to college where the big, bad professors are waiting to blow down their faith house. And in part, what we have heard is true. Which is why we need to have the conversations now.
Jim
Master Mentor #23
Chapter 22 (Book 3, Chapter 12)
In this chapter, CS deals with one of the most central Biblical and theological questions that I know of. This is the question that divided great men over the years as they have searched the Scriptures in pursuit of the answer. It is the question of free will verses God’s action.
Several years ago, as I read this chapter I was thinking about this, I had a student in our ministry who was extremely intelligent. He and one of the other students in my group began a “race” to read through the Bible. They would read as much of the Bible as they could and then they would meet at Taco Bell once or twice a week to discuss what they had read. As their pastor, it was actually somewhat interesting to watch. But then they began to have these questions… questions about predestination… questions about free will. And the most interesting part was that the more they read of the Bible, the more confused and troubled with this issue they became. I, as their pastor of course, allowed them to struggle through the questions on their own for the most part although we would have conversations about it often. In just about every instance of those conversations, I would play the opposite opinion that they were struggling with, just to help them see the other side as well.
Maybe they should have read this chapter from “Mere Christianity.” CS says this, “The Bible seems to clinch the matter when it puts the two things together into one amazing sentence. The first half is, ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling’ – which looks as if everything depended on us and our good action: but the second half goes on, ‘For it is God who worketh in you’ – which looks as if God did everything and we did nothing” (page 131). CS is quoting Paul from Philippians 2:12-13 here. And it brings up an interesting question. Does God work in us to bring us to a point of salvation and sometimes without our help at all? Or do our actions have anything to do with our beginning and maintaining a relationship with God? To which CS would answer: “Yes.” And I think that Paul would answer the same.
Jim
In this chapter, CS deals with one of the most central Biblical and theological questions that I know of. This is the question that divided great men over the years as they have searched the Scriptures in pursuit of the answer. It is the question of free will verses God’s action.
Several years ago, as I read this chapter I was thinking about this, I had a student in our ministry who was extremely intelligent. He and one of the other students in my group began a “race” to read through the Bible. They would read as much of the Bible as they could and then they would meet at Taco Bell once or twice a week to discuss what they had read. As their pastor, it was actually somewhat interesting to watch. But then they began to have these questions… questions about predestination… questions about free will. And the most interesting part was that the more they read of the Bible, the more confused and troubled with this issue they became. I, as their pastor of course, allowed them to struggle through the questions on their own for the most part although we would have conversations about it often. In just about every instance of those conversations, I would play the opposite opinion that they were struggling with, just to help them see the other side as well.
Maybe they should have read this chapter from “Mere Christianity.” CS says this, “The Bible seems to clinch the matter when it puts the two things together into one amazing sentence. The first half is, ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling’ – which looks as if everything depended on us and our good action: but the second half goes on, ‘For it is God who worketh in you’ – which looks as if God did everything and we did nothing” (page 131). CS is quoting Paul from Philippians 2:12-13 here. And it brings up an interesting question. Does God work in us to bring us to a point of salvation and sometimes without our help at all? Or do our actions have anything to do with our beginning and maintaining a relationship with God? To which CS would answer: “Yes.” And I think that Paul would answer the same.
Jim
Zoe getting a drink
Tonight at dinner, Jackie had water... which isn't anything usual because she always has water. In fact, and this is totally off the point, but it's been (and it took her a few minutes to count the days), 4 1/2 years since my wife has had soda. But she often doesn't drink all of her water. Well, tonight, Zoe decided that she would help her by having a drink.
Silly kitty.
Jim
Master Mentor #22
Chapter 21 (Book 3, Chapter 11)
I got lost quite a bit in CS’s discussion on faith today. It seemed to me that he was talking around in circles. He seemed to use too many illustrations and I got a bit confused.
But he did say something that I want to think about some more. He says, “The first step (to faith) is to recognize the fact that your moods change. The next is to make sure that, if you have once accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day” (page 125).
This is one of those things that I think students miss. When they begin a relationship with God, whether its something that happens at CIY or something that happens on the weekend at church, they assume that has happened and it’s going to continue to happen. They figure that it isn’t going to require any work. Or what is some times worse, they go to an incredible week of CIY or camp or a retreat and then they come home. And the thought is: “How do I keep this feeling going?” But really, they make two mistakes. The first is that they assume that it will happen on it’s own, as if the feeling or experience of the camp, retreat or CIY happened on its own the first time. The second mistake is that it’s a feeling in the first place… and feelings change from moment to moment and are very difficult to depend on (as we have talked earlier about marriage). Then, two weeks after the retreat, suddenly they don’t “feel” like they did before and they wonder what has happened. Often, one thing that has happened is that they haven’t picked up their Bible since the day they got back. And they are just assuming that somehow those incredible thoughts about God just jumped into their mind. CS goes on to say that that kind of mindset needs to “be fed.” It needs to be fed as often as I need to be fed (and right now, I need to be fed).
CS has some good thoughts in this chapter… but I think I need to go back and reread it again and see if it makes some more sense.
Jim
I got lost quite a bit in CS’s discussion on faith today. It seemed to me that he was talking around in circles. He seemed to use too many illustrations and I got a bit confused.
But he did say something that I want to think about some more. He says, “The first step (to faith) is to recognize the fact that your moods change. The next is to make sure that, if you have once accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day” (page 125).
This is one of those things that I think students miss. When they begin a relationship with God, whether its something that happens at CIY or something that happens on the weekend at church, they assume that has happened and it’s going to continue to happen. They figure that it isn’t going to require any work. Or what is some times worse, they go to an incredible week of CIY or camp or a retreat and then they come home. And the thought is: “How do I keep this feeling going?” But really, they make two mistakes. The first is that they assume that it will happen on it’s own, as if the feeling or experience of the camp, retreat or CIY happened on its own the first time. The second mistake is that it’s a feeling in the first place… and feelings change from moment to moment and are very difficult to depend on (as we have talked earlier about marriage). Then, two weeks after the retreat, suddenly they don’t “feel” like they did before and they wonder what has happened. Often, one thing that has happened is that they haven’t picked up their Bible since the day they got back. And they are just assuming that somehow those incredible thoughts about God just jumped into their mind. CS goes on to say that that kind of mindset needs to “be fed.” It needs to be fed as often as I need to be fed (and right now, I need to be fed).
CS has some good thoughts in this chapter… but I think I need to go back and reread it again and see if it makes some more sense.
Jim
Rock River Retreat re-cap
We had a great deal of fun out at Rock River today and last night. It was a great event... we got a lot done... but we had some great conversations. Here are a few pictures of the action...
We stopped and had dinner on Friday night at Jay's. The favorite at Jay's, at least for our group, is the "Classic Car Kid's Meal." Several kid's meals were crashed tonight.
Brooke, Natalie, and Bailey enjoyed the Jay's action.
Clayton enjoyed it too.
We headed out to the camp. Usually Capture the Flag is the Rock River Retreat tradition. But last night, it was rainy and cold. So we opted for a couple of games of "Boxers or Briefs" and some "Princess Bride." It was fun!
This morning, though, we jumped in on some work. Will grabbed a groom and we cleaned out a closet. Will was surprised at how much fun he had!
Brooke took a few minutes to really have some fun. (I think that she was supposed to be working...)
Then we moved on to cleaning out the bathhouses. We cleaned the showers, walls, moved out some water, cleaned some toilets and got them ready for the summer time. Boone spent some time sweeping.
Finally, we cleaned out a couple of dorms.
All in all, it was a really good day. We got a lot of work done and I hope what we did was helpful to Rock River and their crew.
Jim
Friday, April 11, 2008
Rock river retreat
Briefs... Finally some Princess Bride! Good night!!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Excitement... then suckiness!!! (Ebay)
I recently posted that I was selling my PS2.
I have been wanting to upgrade to XBox 360 for a while... mostly because my friends (two of them HERE and HERE) are on XBox (plus one that doesn't blog that I'm aware of) and I would like to be able to game-it-up with them on a regular basis, when I have time.
My big barrier was just getting a box that I could put things in for shipment.
Well, I broke down and got something worked out and I listed them. All week, I have been to my Ebay page about a million times to check the price. And as of yesterday morning, it was still $.99. Which was really freaking me out!!! An XBox 360 is like $350-$400, plus Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3... that's a chunk of change. So, I was starting to worry a bit.
But then this morning, bidding picked up as it moved up the list. And this afternoon, I had a meeting and after the meeting I checked, with about an hour to go, it was up to $76.00. In my mind, I was thinking: "If I get $100 out of the whole deal, I'll be happy." But then shortly before the podcast began, I looked and with about 5 minutes, it had jumped to $202.50!!!!! I almost wet myself. I was so excited because that was twice what I was hoping for!
So, I went into the podcast on cloud 9.
Then after the podcast, I bounced over to see if payment had been made only to find that Ebay had canceled the transaction. It seems that there was fraud involved with the transaction and the "guy" that bought it wasn't the real "guy" who owned the account. (Imagine his surprise when he got an invoice for $217.50...)
But then I got another email saying that the "guy" who was second in line was also fraudulent!!! So, I couldn't even offer the losing bidder a second chance offer.
Then Ebay even went so far as to eliminate the whole listing for security purposes!!! One of the staff members here at FVCC is a big seller on Ebay and he told me that he had never even heard of such a thing happening!!!
So, now I'm back to nothing. I still have my PS2... but I have to create a whole new listing. And then I've got to go through the nerves of listing it and waiting... again...
Suckiness!!
Jim
I have been wanting to upgrade to XBox 360 for a while... mostly because my friends (two of them HERE and HERE) are on XBox (plus one that doesn't blog that I'm aware of) and I would like to be able to game-it-up with them on a regular basis, when I have time.
My big barrier was just getting a box that I could put things in for shipment.
Well, I broke down and got something worked out and I listed them. All week, I have been to my Ebay page about a million times to check the price. And as of yesterday morning, it was still $.99. Which was really freaking me out!!! An XBox 360 is like $350-$400, plus Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3... that's a chunk of change. So, I was starting to worry a bit.
But then this morning, bidding picked up as it moved up the list. And this afternoon, I had a meeting and after the meeting I checked, with about an hour to go, it was up to $76.00. In my mind, I was thinking: "If I get $100 out of the whole deal, I'll be happy." But then shortly before the podcast began, I looked and with about 5 minutes, it had jumped to $202.50!!!!! I almost wet myself. I was so excited because that was twice what I was hoping for!
So, I went into the podcast on cloud 9.
Then after the podcast, I bounced over to see if payment had been made only to find that Ebay had canceled the transaction. It seems that there was fraud involved with the transaction and the "guy" that bought it wasn't the real "guy" who owned the account. (Imagine his surprise when he got an invoice for $217.50...)
But then I got another email saying that the "guy" who was second in line was also fraudulent!!! So, I couldn't even offer the losing bidder a second chance offer.
Then Ebay even went so far as to eliminate the whole listing for security purposes!!! One of the staff members here at FVCC is a big seller on Ebay and he told me that he had never even heard of such a thing happening!!!
So, now I'm back to nothing. I still have my PS2... but I have to create a whole new listing. And then I've got to go through the nerves of listing it and waiting... again...
Suckiness!!
Jim
Simply Youth Ministry podcast at 2:05 pm CT this afternoon!!!
The SYM team is back in the conference room for another podcast this afternoon at 2:05 pm CT this afternoon... or 12:05 pm PT... or 3:05 pm ET... depending on the locale.
Hope you are planning to join us. If you want to join in the chat, which is awesome, check it out HERE. I've already logged in and am ready to roll!!
Jim
Hope you are planning to join us. If you want to join in the chat, which is awesome, check it out HERE. I've already logged in and am ready to roll!!
Jim
Master Mentor #21
Chapter 20 (Book 3, Chapter 10)
This morning, CS talked about hope. And he talked about hope in the context of having our minds turned to the hope of the future and the hope of heaven. Which is something that I can honestly say doesn’t have a lot of airtime in my mind. He says that we don’t talk about heaven because we aren’t “trained” to think or talk about heaven. And he’s right. We only occasionally talk about it or teach about it and it’s usually seen as the end-goal in the Christian’s life or in terms of avoiding the other place.
He said this, which caught my attention: “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither” (page 119). That’s an interesting thought and I think that he’s right. Many Christians don’t think about heaven. Or we think about it in terms of “getting to heaven” or what we’ll “do there” (namely play harps and float on clouds… which CS deals with later in the chapter). But heaven just isn’t something that fills my thoughts very often. But I have a suspicion that it will today.
Later in the chapter, CS says this: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing” (pg 121). Good thoughts.
Jim
This morning, CS talked about hope. And he talked about hope in the context of having our minds turned to the hope of the future and the hope of heaven. Which is something that I can honestly say doesn’t have a lot of airtime in my mind. He says that we don’t talk about heaven because we aren’t “trained” to think or talk about heaven. And he’s right. We only occasionally talk about it or teach about it and it’s usually seen as the end-goal in the Christian’s life or in terms of avoiding the other place.
He said this, which caught my attention: “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither” (page 119). That’s an interesting thought and I think that he’s right. Many Christians don’t think about heaven. Or we think about it in terms of “getting to heaven” or what we’ll “do there” (namely play harps and float on clouds… which CS deals with later in the chapter). But heaven just isn’t something that fills my thoughts very often. But I have a suspicion that it will today.
Later in the chapter, CS says this: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing” (pg 121). Good thoughts.
Jim
Thursday morning group... and being out of the desert...
Thursday morning was a struggle this morning.
I didn't get to bed until late last night... almost midnight... which is pretty rough when the alarm goes off at 4:50 am for Bible Study. But despite the tired feeling I had as I brushed my teeth, I continued on. And this morning's study was pretty good. We talked about possessions and how they shouldn't be something that dominates and controls our lives. It was a good talk.
What I'm really excited about this morning that I am finally out of the desert of my morning Bible reading. For the last two months, I've been "wandering in the desert." That's the phrase that I use when I talk about reading through the books of 2nd half of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and most of Deuteronomy. Most days, it's good stuff. But it just doesn't excite me or thrill me to read all the list of laws and tabernacle specifications. But thankfully, this morning, I moved into Joshua. And I was happy!!
Jim
I didn't get to bed until late last night... almost midnight... which is pretty rough when the alarm goes off at 4:50 am for Bible Study. But despite the tired feeling I had as I brushed my teeth, I continued on. And this morning's study was pretty good. We talked about possessions and how they shouldn't be something that dominates and controls our lives. It was a good talk.
What I'm really excited about this morning that I am finally out of the desert of my morning Bible reading. For the last two months, I've been "wandering in the desert." That's the phrase that I use when I talk about reading through the books of 2nd half of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and most of Deuteronomy. Most days, it's good stuff. But it just doesn't excite me or thrill me to read all the list of laws and tabernacle specifications. But thankfully, this morning, I moved into Joshua. And I was happy!!
Jim
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Empty seats in Pittsburgh
So...
I'm sitting here watching the Cubs battle it out with the Pirates. It's currently in the top of the 14th inning in a 2-2 tie. They said earlier that there were only 9500 fans at the ballpark. I just can't believe all the empty seats in the background. Given, this game started at 6:05 pm (CT) and it's now 9:50 pm (CT).
But still... all those empty seats at a baseball game like that.
And Aramis Ramirez just hit a 2 run homerun to put the Cubbies up 4-2!
Jim
I'm sitting here watching the Cubs battle it out with the Pirates. It's currently in the top of the 14th inning in a 2-2 tie. They said earlier that there were only 9500 fans at the ballpark. I just can't believe all the empty seats in the background. Given, this game started at 6:05 pm (CT) and it's now 9:50 pm (CT).
But still... all those empty seats at a baseball game like that.
And Aramis Ramirez just hit a 2 run homerun to put the Cubbies up 4-2!
Jim
Kind of a sad day... Last issue of CCMmagazine...
Today, I receive the last print edition of CCMmagazine.
If you aren't familiar, CCMmagazine is monthly magazine that comes out dealing with Christian Contemporary Music (hence the name). It always kept me updated on what was going on in Christian music, what was coming up and what was cool. They are going strictly to an online version through their website.
But it was kind of a sad day for me. If you know me well, you know that music plays a big part in my life as my music collection is very extensive. I've been a faithful subscriber since even before I was in youth ministry. I would say that I've been subscribing for probably 15 or so years since I was a teenager. Today, when the final issue arrived in my mailbox at church, it just kinda made me a little sad.
Jim
If you aren't familiar, CCMmagazine is monthly magazine that comes out dealing with Christian Contemporary Music (hence the name). It always kept me updated on what was going on in Christian music, what was coming up and what was cool. They are going strictly to an online version through their website.
But it was kind of a sad day for me. If you know me well, you know that music plays a big part in my life as my music collection is very extensive. I've been a faithful subscriber since even before I was in youth ministry. I would say that I've been subscribing for probably 15 or so years since I was a teenager. Today, when the final issue arrived in my mailbox at church, it just kinda made me a little sad.
Jim
Book #3... Other half...
Recently, I blogged about having read half of the third book. This morning, I finished off the othr half of what I am counting as my third book of 2008...
"Kurt and Scott's Junior High Adventure" by Kurt Johnston (Saddleback) and Scott Rubin (Willow Creek).
It was a good book. It was super-short, a mere 71 pages, which is good for my sense of accomplishment. I read it in a couple of sittings. Basically it's a collection of Kurt Johnston's columns from Group Magazine. Added into the columns that Kurt wrote, are some commentary by Scott almost as if he were reading over your shoulder and adding some thoughts.
It was a fun read. I found myself laughing out-loud occasionally. And in many respects, it reminded me again of why I do what I do.
My only point of contention with the book was two fold. First, it didn't seem like there was an order to the articles. Maybe there was and I just missed it. But the articles seemed somewhat random. Secondly, it would have been cool to have had some banter on Kurt's part to what Scott was adding to the conversation. Often, it felt like Scott added some good thoughts that would have been fun to have seen what Kurt thought about it.
But it's a quick read. It's a good read to start off the day with an article. It just adds a fresh youth ministry focus to the day.
Jim
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Twitter experiment...
As those of you who are regulars will see, there is a "new" section to the left on my blog.
Recently, there was a discussion on the Simply Youth Ministry Podcast about this new thing out called "Twitter." The discussion happened in episode 73 and revolved around whether or not people would follow Doug Fields if he would Twitter... and a bet was made.
To me... the whole Twitter thing is a little TOO crazy. The whole Twitter deal is based on regular updates in sort of a mini-blog sort of thing. Up until Saturday, I thought the whole thing was silly. But Saturday I broke down and decided to give it a try.
My primary reason for trying such is that I'm betting at some point, Twitter is going to hit the student realm and I would like to have a leg up on it before our students start doing it. But I still think it's kinda silly...
But I'm trying it... so... you'll see the updates there at the top of my blog. They will update automatically... if you Twitter and want to follow, feel free to join me. Otherwise, you can check here to see what I'm up to...
Jim
Recently, there was a discussion on the Simply Youth Ministry Podcast about this new thing out called "Twitter." The discussion happened in episode 73 and revolved around whether or not people would follow Doug Fields if he would Twitter... and a bet was made.
To me... the whole Twitter thing is a little TOO crazy. The whole Twitter deal is based on regular updates in sort of a mini-blog sort of thing. Up until Saturday, I thought the whole thing was silly. But Saturday I broke down and decided to give it a try.
My primary reason for trying such is that I'm betting at some point, Twitter is going to hit the student realm and I would like to have a leg up on it before our students start doing it. But I still think it's kinda silly...
But I'm trying it... so... you'll see the updates there at the top of my blog. They will update automatically... if you Twitter and want to follow, feel free to join me. Otherwise, you can check here to see what I'm up to...
Jim
The Orchard... Action Point Paper...
Recently, I posted about my visit to The Orchard Community Church in Aurora for my History of the Modern Church class at Lincoln. The paper is due today... so I thought I would post it here.
Enjoy... If you care...
----------------
In comparison to previous occasions, this action point turned out differently than I expected. The Assemblies of God congregations have been labeled with the reputation of being both a diverse group of churches and a group having a charismatic bend. So in visiting The Orchard, I was not sure what to expect. Previously, when visiting a Roman Catholic Church and a Lutheran Church, I had more accurate expectations. When visiting the Orchard, I was not sure whether to expect speaking in tongues or a church similar to Fox Valley Christian Church, where I serve on staff. I was pleasantly surprised to find a church in many ways similar to the church environments with which I am familiar.
Upon arriving at the Orchard for their Saturday night service, I was pleased to find a parking lot filled with cars. It is always easier to visit a church for the first time when there is a crowd and that is what I found at the Orchard. The service was welcoming and those who were greeting were helping and inviting. The worship center was set up in many ways similar to Fox Valley. They had removable chairs rather than pews. Projection screens were up front in addition to a stage filled with drums and other musical instruments. The setting was casual with most people, including those leading worship and those responsible for the preaching, wearing jeans. The speaker was dynamic, speaking from an outline rather than a written liturgy. The worship band played songs that were familiar to me which made singing and blending in with the crowd easier. The message for the night was topical in nature. In many respects this service was very similar to a Sunday morning service at Fox Valley.
Several things, however, about the service were absent. They did not observe the Lord’s Supper. In conversation with Ben Hammond, The Orchard’s Student Minister, I discovered that communion is not a regular part of The Orchard’s worship service. Instead, as he shared, they observe communion on the first Sunday of the month and on the first Wednesday night service of the month. He stated the purpose behind this was to be more “appealing to non-believers” who might be visiting for the first time. The same reason was given for the absence of speaking in tongues. Ben stated that several years ago the church went through a transition period when it shifted from being a closely connected Assemblies of God congregation to the current community church that it is today. Part of this transition was making an intentional shift to being more appealing to the community surrounding the church. At that time, approximately 2001 or 2002, the church changed it’s name from First Assembly of God, which it had since it’s founding 80 years ago, to it’s current name, “The Orchard Community Church.”
Ben Hammond has been attending the church since 2006 and has been serving on staff while attending North Park University in Chicago. Ben shared some of the leadership structure which is very different than a typical Restoration movement congregation. The Orchard has elders although they do not serve as a board. Instead they serve in a prayer and oversight role over the Leadership Team, which is a team of four people including the lead minister, the teaching minister, the worship minister and the executive assistant. These four individuals lead the church in making many of the decisions of vision and direction as well as the day-to-day operation of the congregation, in cooperation with the other staff members. The Orchard also features a collection of volunteer ministry teams rather than deacon boards that function in much the same way dealing with specific areas of the church’s ministry. Ben shared that this gives the staff a great deal of flexibility and freedom in casting vision and leading the congregation into new challenges.
Previously, The Orchard was very closely connected with the Assemblies of God denomination. Recently, however, they have been moving away from the denomination norm. One thing that has made them different from many Assemblies congregations is the adoption of various “environments.” These environments are not unique to The Orchard. They are adopted from North Point Community Church, under Andy Stanley’s leadership in Alpharetta, GA. These environments create a clear path of progression from first entry into a worship service and connection with the congregation through being fully connected in all aspects of the church’s program. They feature three environments; the first is the “Foyer” which is their weekend service or entry-level area. From here, they seek to move people in the direction of the “Living Room” which are special events and connection points for people to begin to build relationships. The final level is the “Kitchen” level where they seek to connect their people in small groups, which according to Ben is the backbone of The Orchard. This progression was clearly seen in my visit to the congregation. The worship leader, the lead minister and those who were upfront were very intentional that those who were new to The Orchard should attend “Connection Point,” which is an opportunity to hear more about the church’s history, meet the staff and have their questions answered. This seems to be very successful for them and it seems to be gaining attention. Recently The Orchard Community Church was named as one of the Top 25 Most Innovative Churches in the country.
Being from a Restoration movement church, there are several things to consider about my visit. The first is the centrality of community. It would seem that the Lord’s Supper is one of those parts of church life that is just too important to leave out for the sake of someone not understanding it’s significance. The Lord’s Supper is so central to my thinking and weekly church involvement that it would be difficult to see myself in a congregation where it was only offered occasionally. The New Testament seems to support a more regular celebration of the Eucharist. Secondly, while an elder board can be extremely frustrating at times, it does seem somewhat dangerous to have all of the vision casting and leadership in the hands of a “few.” Elder Boards can add a layer of administration that can at times be difficult. It is, however, beneficial to know that you have the support of those who the congregation view as wise and whom the congregation has chosen as their leaders.
My recent visit to The Orchard Community Church was a pleasurable experience. If I did not have a church home, it would not be difficult to see myself worshipping there on a regular basis. The congregation was friendly and they did an excellent job at not pushing away a new visitor. My conversation with Ben was also great. Since we share a common interest in working with teenagers, we plan to meet next week for lunch. I have appreciated these opportunities to visit other congregations and to talk with their staff members. This time, as other times, I have learned a little more about myself as I have learned about others.
Jim
Enjoy... If you care...
----------------
In comparison to previous occasions, this action point turned out differently than I expected. The Assemblies of God congregations have been labeled with the reputation of being both a diverse group of churches and a group having a charismatic bend. So in visiting The Orchard, I was not sure what to expect. Previously, when visiting a Roman Catholic Church and a Lutheran Church, I had more accurate expectations. When visiting the Orchard, I was not sure whether to expect speaking in tongues or a church similar to Fox Valley Christian Church, where I serve on staff. I was pleasantly surprised to find a church in many ways similar to the church environments with which I am familiar.
Upon arriving at the Orchard for their Saturday night service, I was pleased to find a parking lot filled with cars. It is always easier to visit a church for the first time when there is a crowd and that is what I found at the Orchard. The service was welcoming and those who were greeting were helping and inviting. The worship center was set up in many ways similar to Fox Valley. They had removable chairs rather than pews. Projection screens were up front in addition to a stage filled with drums and other musical instruments. The setting was casual with most people, including those leading worship and those responsible for the preaching, wearing jeans. The speaker was dynamic, speaking from an outline rather than a written liturgy. The worship band played songs that were familiar to me which made singing and blending in with the crowd easier. The message for the night was topical in nature. In many respects this service was very similar to a Sunday morning service at Fox Valley.
Several things, however, about the service were absent. They did not observe the Lord’s Supper. In conversation with Ben Hammond, The Orchard’s Student Minister, I discovered that communion is not a regular part of The Orchard’s worship service. Instead, as he shared, they observe communion on the first Sunday of the month and on the first Wednesday night service of the month. He stated the purpose behind this was to be more “appealing to non-believers” who might be visiting for the first time. The same reason was given for the absence of speaking in tongues. Ben stated that several years ago the church went through a transition period when it shifted from being a closely connected Assemblies of God congregation to the current community church that it is today. Part of this transition was making an intentional shift to being more appealing to the community surrounding the church. At that time, approximately 2001 or 2002, the church changed it’s name from First Assembly of God, which it had since it’s founding 80 years ago, to it’s current name, “The Orchard Community Church.”
Ben Hammond has been attending the church since 2006 and has been serving on staff while attending North Park University in Chicago. Ben shared some of the leadership structure which is very different than a typical Restoration movement congregation. The Orchard has elders although they do not serve as a board. Instead they serve in a prayer and oversight role over the Leadership Team, which is a team of four people including the lead minister, the teaching minister, the worship minister and the executive assistant. These four individuals lead the church in making many of the decisions of vision and direction as well as the day-to-day operation of the congregation, in cooperation with the other staff members. The Orchard also features a collection of volunteer ministry teams rather than deacon boards that function in much the same way dealing with specific areas of the church’s ministry. Ben shared that this gives the staff a great deal of flexibility and freedom in casting vision and leading the congregation into new challenges.
Previously, The Orchard was very closely connected with the Assemblies of God denomination. Recently, however, they have been moving away from the denomination norm. One thing that has made them different from many Assemblies congregations is the adoption of various “environments.” These environments are not unique to The Orchard. They are adopted from North Point Community Church, under Andy Stanley’s leadership in Alpharetta, GA. These environments create a clear path of progression from first entry into a worship service and connection with the congregation through being fully connected in all aspects of the church’s program. They feature three environments; the first is the “Foyer” which is their weekend service or entry-level area. From here, they seek to move people in the direction of the “Living Room” which are special events and connection points for people to begin to build relationships. The final level is the “Kitchen” level where they seek to connect their people in small groups, which according to Ben is the backbone of The Orchard. This progression was clearly seen in my visit to the congregation. The worship leader, the lead minister and those who were upfront were very intentional that those who were new to The Orchard should attend “Connection Point,” which is an opportunity to hear more about the church’s history, meet the staff and have their questions answered. This seems to be very successful for them and it seems to be gaining attention. Recently The Orchard Community Church was named as one of the Top 25 Most Innovative Churches in the country.
Being from a Restoration movement church, there are several things to consider about my visit. The first is the centrality of community. It would seem that the Lord’s Supper is one of those parts of church life that is just too important to leave out for the sake of someone not understanding it’s significance. The Lord’s Supper is so central to my thinking and weekly church involvement that it would be difficult to see myself in a congregation where it was only offered occasionally. The New Testament seems to support a more regular celebration of the Eucharist. Secondly, while an elder board can be extremely frustrating at times, it does seem somewhat dangerous to have all of the vision casting and leadership in the hands of a “few.” Elder Boards can add a layer of administration that can at times be difficult. It is, however, beneficial to know that you have the support of those who the congregation view as wise and whom the congregation has chosen as their leaders.
My recent visit to The Orchard Community Church was a pleasurable experience. If I did not have a church home, it would not be difficult to see myself worshipping there on a regular basis. The congregation was friendly and they did an excellent job at not pushing away a new visitor. My conversation with Ben was also great. Since we share a common interest in working with teenagers, we plan to meet next week for lunch. I have appreciated these opportunities to visit other congregations and to talk with their staff members. This time, as other times, I have learned a little more about myself as I have learned about others.
Jim
Monday, April 07, 2008
Master Mentor #20
Chapter 19 (Book 3, Chapter 9)
In many respects, this chapter felt like it was thrown together without much sense of definite direction. Many of CS’s other chapters have felt like there was a strong theme running through them or a central thought to tie them together. This chapter didn’t feel that way. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good thoughts in here on charity. But this chapter didn’t seem as strong as others in this book.
One of the interesting thoughts… and this is totally backed up by my personal experience… is that “good and evil both increase at compound interest” (page 117). CS, in this chapter, is talking about how as Christians, we are called to do little acts of “charity” for others. We aren’t called to do these because we “like” the person that we are doing it for. In fact, he even goes so far as to say that often liking person complicated the charity. But we ought to do little acts of charity for all of those that we find our lives. And part of that reason is that both good and evil compound. He goes on to say that’s “why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance” (page 117). Part of the distinction that CS is trying to draw is between doing something nice for everyone because something nice has been done for us and doing something nice in hopes that someone else will notice. We ought and are called to do acts of charity for those around us because acts of charity have been done for us… namely by God.
Part of what struck me in this chapter was this idea of doing little acts of kindness, regardless of your level of appreciation, love or even “like” for a person. One of the difficult things in my life is being around people that I don’t like. If I’m upset with someone… co-worker, student, etc… I just don’t even want to be around them. But the problem is, most of the time, out of sight/out of mind doesn’t always help. And I usually find myself more frustrated with them than I was at the first. But in those occasions, when I have tried to do something nice or treat them in a way that maybe they didn’t deserve, I began to see my heart and attitude change towards them in a good way. Which seems to be exactly what CS is talking about here in this chapter. And really… isn’t that what God did for me? Didn’t he do something incredible for me before I really did anything to deserve it? Indeed, He did.
Jim
In many respects, this chapter felt like it was thrown together without much sense of definite direction. Many of CS’s other chapters have felt like there was a strong theme running through them or a central thought to tie them together. This chapter didn’t feel that way. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good thoughts in here on charity. But this chapter didn’t seem as strong as others in this book.
One of the interesting thoughts… and this is totally backed up by my personal experience… is that “good and evil both increase at compound interest” (page 117). CS, in this chapter, is talking about how as Christians, we are called to do little acts of “charity” for others. We aren’t called to do these because we “like” the person that we are doing it for. In fact, he even goes so far as to say that often liking person complicated the charity. But we ought to do little acts of charity for all of those that we find our lives. And part of that reason is that both good and evil compound. He goes on to say that’s “why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance” (page 117). Part of the distinction that CS is trying to draw is between doing something nice for everyone because something nice has been done for us and doing something nice in hopes that someone else will notice. We ought and are called to do acts of charity for those around us because acts of charity have been done for us… namely by God.
Part of what struck me in this chapter was this idea of doing little acts of kindness, regardless of your level of appreciation, love or even “like” for a person. One of the difficult things in my life is being around people that I don’t like. If I’m upset with someone… co-worker, student, etc… I just don’t even want to be around them. But the problem is, most of the time, out of sight/out of mind doesn’t always help. And I usually find myself more frustrated with them than I was at the first. But in those occasions, when I have tried to do something nice or treat them in a way that maybe they didn’t deserve, I began to see my heart and attitude change towards them in a good way. Which seems to be exactly what CS is talking about here in this chapter. And really… isn’t that what God did for me? Didn’t he do something incredible for me before I really did anything to deserve it? Indeed, He did.
Jim
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Good night...
We had a really great night tonight at High Voltage.
Several students were back that hadn't been in a while, plus we had a couple of visitors. It's always great to have visitors. But the message a little below par... But overall, it was a great night.
Plus, Live Wire this morning was pretty good as well!
Jim
Several students were back that hadn't been in a while, plus we had a couple of visitors. It's always great to have visitors. But the message a little below par... But overall, it was a great night.
Plus, Live Wire this morning was pretty good as well!
Jim
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Visiting a church tonight...
One of the assignments that I really enjoy about my Church History/Historical Theology major is the action step option to visit a church. This will be the third time that I have done it (see HERE & HERE for a previous visit... the last visit didn't seem to make my blog... although I thought it did... but I couldn't find the post... oh well).
I have really enjoyed seeing how different churches worship and then having the chance to ask questions... which is part of the assignment, talking with a staff member.
Tonight I'm going to visit The Orchard Church Community. Their history (and Google... which is how I found them) show them as an "Assemblies of God" congregation. Now, their website doesn't necessarily reflect that. But hopefully after the visit tonight, I'll have a little better picture of whether or not they are "still" an AG Congregation.
Historical Note: As a church group, the Assemblies of God organized as an offshoot of the Pentecostal movement in 1914.
After tonight, I am planning to have a phone conversation with their Student Minister on Monday and maybe grab lunch later in the week. Should be fun! But I'd better go get changed!
Jim
I have really enjoyed seeing how different churches worship and then having the chance to ask questions... which is part of the assignment, talking with a staff member.
Tonight I'm going to visit The Orchard Church Community. Their history (and Google... which is how I found them) show them as an "Assemblies of God" congregation. Now, their website doesn't necessarily reflect that. But hopefully after the visit tonight, I'll have a little better picture of whether or not they are "still" an AG Congregation.
Historical Note: As a church group, the Assemblies of God organized as an offshoot of the Pentecostal movement in 1914.
After tonight, I am planning to have a phone conversation with their Student Minister on Monday and maybe grab lunch later in the week. Should be fun! But I'd better go get changed!
Jim
Master Mentor #19
Chapter 18 (Book 3, Chapter 8)
Today CS takes on what he considers, and I agree, to be the biggest issue facing people as they seek to live lives and as they seek to follow God… that thing of Pride. In the midst of his discussion of pride… which is interesting because we just read several of these selections in Staff Prayer on Thursday… he states that Pride is the source of all other sins. Over the course of the chapter, he uses various examples to drive home his point. And does well at that.
But as I’m reading, I’m thinking to myself: “Am I a prideful person? Would I consider myself prideful? Would others consider me such?” I’m not sure how I would answer that. At first thought, I would say “no.” But then in saying that, am I displaying pride that I’m not too prideful of myself? At second, if I said “yes,” then am I saying so simply so that you won’t think that I’m being arrogant about not being arrogant or am I simply admitting it so that it doesn’t show up in my life?
CS wraps up this chapter with this paragraph: “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done about it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed” (page 104). So in many respects, CS has everyone in a bit of a “catch-22” and for good reason. If you don’t admit our pride problem… which we all have… myself include… then it means that we have a very large pride problem. And if we do admit our problem, then it means that we have a problem (and who really wants that?). But he’s right.
Earlier in the chapter, CS talks about Pride being the only sin that is competitive in nature. He states that other sins can be competitive, but it’s really only pride that is so which is behind the competitiveness of the other sins. One can say that someone is greedy. But is it really that that person is greedy or that his pride is driving him to acquire more and more until he controls all? Indeed.
I almost hate meeting other youth workers for the first time. Don’t get me wrong, I love youth workers… especially others from other churches. But I hate the first meeting. Why you might ask? Because I know that about 3 to 5 questions into the meeting, I know that there is a question coming. The question might be phrased differently depending on how old or young the other youth work is. But I know that the question will be basically: “How big is your student ministry?” And I hate the question. I hate the question because it is a comparison question. They aren’t asking how “healthy” the group is… they aren’t asking what’s going “great” right now… they aren’t even asking where you’re “struggling.” They are looking for a number. And every time, you do this you lose (according to Doug Fields… whom I happen to agree with). Because every time you do this you feel your pride problem. If my group is smaller than the group leader’s, then that leader feels pretty great about himself (especially if this is a local meeting that I’m talking about and the church is down the street from my church). If my group is larger than his group, then he or she will begin to look for other ways in which their group is “better” or else they will feel like a “failure” because their group isn’t the size of our group. And in which case, they usually start looking for another group that is smaller so they can save a little “face.” But it’s always a losing deal.
But it’s pride. And it shows up in all of the areas of life. I would dare say that it shows up in all of the areas of all of our lives from time to time. The only difference is the degree. But, in line with what “GI Joe” always used to say… “Knowing is half the battle.” Realizing that you have a problem is the first step to dealing with your problem… whether it’s alcoholism or pride.
Jim
Today CS takes on what he considers, and I agree, to be the biggest issue facing people as they seek to live lives and as they seek to follow God… that thing of Pride. In the midst of his discussion of pride… which is interesting because we just read several of these selections in Staff Prayer on Thursday… he states that Pride is the source of all other sins. Over the course of the chapter, he uses various examples to drive home his point. And does well at that.
But as I’m reading, I’m thinking to myself: “Am I a prideful person? Would I consider myself prideful? Would others consider me such?” I’m not sure how I would answer that. At first thought, I would say “no.” But then in saying that, am I displaying pride that I’m not too prideful of myself? At second, if I said “yes,” then am I saying so simply so that you won’t think that I’m being arrogant about not being arrogant or am I simply admitting it so that it doesn’t show up in my life?
CS wraps up this chapter with this paragraph: “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done about it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed” (page 104). So in many respects, CS has everyone in a bit of a “catch-22” and for good reason. If you don’t admit our pride problem… which we all have… myself include… then it means that we have a very large pride problem. And if we do admit our problem, then it means that we have a problem (and who really wants that?). But he’s right.
Earlier in the chapter, CS talks about Pride being the only sin that is competitive in nature. He states that other sins can be competitive, but it’s really only pride that is so which is behind the competitiveness of the other sins. One can say that someone is greedy. But is it really that that person is greedy or that his pride is driving him to acquire more and more until he controls all? Indeed.
I almost hate meeting other youth workers for the first time. Don’t get me wrong, I love youth workers… especially others from other churches. But I hate the first meeting. Why you might ask? Because I know that about 3 to 5 questions into the meeting, I know that there is a question coming. The question might be phrased differently depending on how old or young the other youth work is. But I know that the question will be basically: “How big is your student ministry?” And I hate the question. I hate the question because it is a comparison question. They aren’t asking how “healthy” the group is… they aren’t asking what’s going “great” right now… they aren’t even asking where you’re “struggling.” They are looking for a number. And every time, you do this you lose (according to Doug Fields… whom I happen to agree with). Because every time you do this you feel your pride problem. If my group is smaller than the group leader’s, then that leader feels pretty great about himself (especially if this is a local meeting that I’m talking about and the church is down the street from my church). If my group is larger than his group, then he or she will begin to look for other ways in which their group is “better” or else they will feel like a “failure” because their group isn’t the size of our group. And in which case, they usually start looking for another group that is smaller so they can save a little “face.” But it’s always a losing deal.
But it’s pride. And it shows up in all of the areas of life. I would dare say that it shows up in all of the areas of all of our lives from time to time. The only difference is the degree. But, in line with what “GI Joe” always used to say… “Knowing is half the battle.” Realizing that you have a problem is the first step to dealing with your problem… whether it’s alcoholism or pride.
Jim
Posted my Playstation 2 on Ebay...
Well...
I've been wanting to make the jump to an XBox 360 for quite some time now. Too many of my friends have been on XBox for a while... but I've been playing PS2. So, I decided that I would sell my PS2.
I just got done listing it HERE on Ebay!! It comes with 11 games... but not my Guitar Hero games... GH1 + Guitar, GH2 + Guitar, GH Rocks the 80's... Those I'm going to list separately. Once it sells, hopefully it will put me well on my way to XBox 360-land!
Jim
Zelda watching the game...
The Cubs went on to win... It was good!
Jim
Awesome weather day!!
I just got back from a walk outside!
It was awesome. The weather is incredible today. I even opened up the screen doors on the apartment to let in a little fresh air. It's about 56 degrees out there now, but it's supposed to get up to about 65 today. Should be great.
I'm heading out to do some errands here in a few and I'm looking forward to having the sunroof open again... it was open yesterday too!
EDIT: I'm actually wearing shorts today for the first time this year!!!
Jim
It was awesome. The weather is incredible today. I even opened up the screen doors on the apartment to let in a little fresh air. It's about 56 degrees out there now, but it's supposed to get up to about 65 today. Should be great.
I'm heading out to do some errands here in a few and I'm looking forward to having the sunroof open again... it was open yesterday too!
EDIT: I'm actually wearing shorts today for the first time this year!!!
Jim
Friday, April 04, 2008
Dinner and a Movie
My wife and I hit "On The Border" tonight for an impromptu Dinner and Movie night. We both love this place because they have some of the most incredible 'chips and salsa' that they give you as an appetizer (if you've never been). We both tackled the "Endless Enchiladas"... Jackie put down 26 and I killed 6...
They were excellent.
Now, we're going to watch a little "I Am Legend." I'm looking forward to watching again after I read the book. Should be good.
Jim
They were excellent.
Now, we're going to watch a little "I Am Legend." I'm looking forward to watching again after I read the book. Should be good.
Jim
Master Mentor #18
Chapter 17 (Book 3, Chapter 7)
In CS’s discussion about forgiveness today, he takes on the notion of “loving one’s neighbor as themselves.” In this midst of the conversation, he says something very interesting:
“Remember, we Christians think man lives for ever. Therefore, what really matters is those little marks or twists on the central, inside part of the soul which was going to turn it, in the long run, into a heavenly or a hellish creature. We may kill if necessary, but we must not hate and enjoy killing. We may punish if necessary, but we must not enjoy it. In other words, something inside us, the feeling of resentment, the feeling that wants to get one’s own back, must be simply killed. I do not mean that anyone can decide this moment that he will never feel it any more. That is not how things happen. I mean that every time it bobs its head up, day after day, year after year, all our lives long, we must hit it on the head. Its hard work, but the attempt is not impossible. Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves – to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured; in fact, to wish his good.” (page 107-108)
One thing that always seems to be struggled with is applying this principle of “loving your neighbors” to the act of war. As I listen to Christians… some of which are preachers and ministers… talk about how terrible ‘war’ is and how it is opposed to this idea of loving our neighbors, I often wonder how they come together. CS has, in my opinion, found that middle ground that applies in both situations.
But he has, as it would seem to me, found the area that is somewhat unrecognizable to others. I cannot by looking at someone other than myself tell what is in their heart. I cannot tell by looking at someone else whether or not there is hatred in their heart. And sometimes I cannot tell if there is indeed hatred in my heart. But it does seem reasonable to make the attempt at “killing” that which is within me that hates.
Jim
In CS’s discussion about forgiveness today, he takes on the notion of “loving one’s neighbor as themselves.” In this midst of the conversation, he says something very interesting:
“Remember, we Christians think man lives for ever. Therefore, what really matters is those little marks or twists on the central, inside part of the soul which was going to turn it, in the long run, into a heavenly or a hellish creature. We may kill if necessary, but we must not hate and enjoy killing. We may punish if necessary, but we must not enjoy it. In other words, something inside us, the feeling of resentment, the feeling that wants to get one’s own back, must be simply killed. I do not mean that anyone can decide this moment that he will never feel it any more. That is not how things happen. I mean that every time it bobs its head up, day after day, year after year, all our lives long, we must hit it on the head. Its hard work, but the attempt is not impossible. Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves – to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured; in fact, to wish his good.” (page 107-108)
One thing that always seems to be struggled with is applying this principle of “loving your neighbors” to the act of war. As I listen to Christians… some of which are preachers and ministers… talk about how terrible ‘war’ is and how it is opposed to this idea of loving our neighbors, I often wonder how they come together. CS has, in my opinion, found that middle ground that applies in both situations.
But he has, as it would seem to me, found the area that is somewhat unrecognizable to others. I cannot by looking at someone other than myself tell what is in their heart. I cannot tell by looking at someone else whether or not there is hatred in their heart. And sometimes I cannot tell if there is indeed hatred in my heart. But it does seem reasonable to make the attempt at “killing” that which is within me that hates.
Jim
Starbucks and the welcome
So...
Jackie and I are sitting in Starbucks killing some time while we wait
for an oil change. I've been to this one several times. But most of
the time I have head phones on... Today I do not. And I've noticed
that consistently with every customer that comes in, this barista
welcomes them with a hello.
Jackie and I are sitting in Starbucks killing some time while we wait
for an oil change. I've been to this one several times. But most of
the time I have head phones on... Today I do not. And I've noticed
that consistently with every customer that comes in, this barista
welcomes them with a hello.
It got thinking about our ministry. We are pretty good at the up-
front-welcome... But how good are we at the individual glad-to-see-you
welcome??? As good as Starbucks?
With every customer that comes in, she consistently creates that
welcoming environment.
Jim Clark
Student Minister
Sent from my iPhone...
Thursday, April 03, 2008
iPhones all over the place on CBS shows...
So...
Since the writers' strike earlier, we've been under the onslaught of "reality shows"... most of which stink in my opinion. (The only reality show worth anything is Survivor.)
But tonight, Jackie and I grabbed a place on the couch and settled in to watch Survivor... followed by CSI. In one of the inital scenes, they were taking some photographs and emailing them back and forth... on iPhones!!!
After CSI was over, we typically watch ER... which isn't on until next Thursday night... so we ended up watching Without a Trace. As they were shaking down a criminal, they asked him to identify a face... and they showed him on an iPhone.
iPhones are popping up all over the place tonight on CBS. It makes me wonder if maybe Jeff Probst was using one on Survivor and I just missed it...
Jim
Since the writers' strike earlier, we've been under the onslaught of "reality shows"... most of which stink in my opinion. (The only reality show worth anything is Survivor.)
But tonight, Jackie and I grabbed a place on the couch and settled in to watch Survivor... followed by CSI. In one of the inital scenes, they were taking some photographs and emailing them back and forth... on iPhones!!!
After CSI was over, we typically watch ER... which isn't on until next Thursday night... so we ended up watching Without a Trace. As they were shaking down a criminal, they asked him to identify a face... and they showed him on an iPhone.
iPhones are popping up all over the place tonight on CBS. It makes me wonder if maybe Jeff Probst was using one on Survivor and I just missed it...
Jim
Cubbies first win of 2008!!!
So...
Finally, the Cubs got their first win of the 2008 season. They got one back from the Brewers this afternoon in a 3-6 win!!
About time!!!
I didn't get to listen to all the game. But they seemed to hit well and had few errors. It took a while, but we'll take it.
Jim
SYM Podcast... TODAY 2pm CDT!!
I've already got my seat for the Simply Youth Ministry Podcast... set to air today at 2:00 CDT... I went ahead and went on over and logged in, found the stream and logged into the chat.
I just want to make sure that I get a good seat!!!
Jim
I just want to make sure that I get a good seat!!!
Jim
Master Mentor #17
Chapter 16 (Book 3, Chapter 6)
In CS’s last chapter, he dealt with the issue of sexuality. This chapter, he turns to a somewhat expected topic when he talks about marriage. Which is similar to me talking about how to parent teenagers because CS is not married (or at least wasn’t married at the time of this writing by his own admission). (And it’s not that I don’t know anything about teenagers, their culture, trends or their lifestyles… because I do. It’s that I’m not sure that I can give practical advice on how to parent a teenager to the parents of teenagers since I have none of my own to try out my ‘theories.’) But his discussion of marriage is interesting.
First, he focuses his discussion on the idea of the promise behind marriage. Which I think is an excellent place to focus. He even goes so far as to dispute on several occasions the popular notion floating around in culture that marriage is all about feelings and how I respond to them. Instead, he focuses on the commitment aspect of marriage and how we ought to maintain that aspect in light of the fact that “feelings” change from time to time. (His example… my situation… this morning I felt hungry. After I had breakfast, I no longer felt hungry. Feelings change. But my commitment to my need to eat regularly continues regardless of whether I feel hungry at this moment remains.) I feel that this promise aspect of marriage is something that is currently lacking in Christian circles. I don’t feel, in terms of divorce situations, that we remind people of the fact that they made a commitment before God, their friends and themselves. Now, I am speaking of the majority of divorce cases in which one or the other “chooses” to get a divorce. I totally recognize that there are a group of situations in which one person had no choice in the matter or in which case, divorce was the only viable solution (marital unfaithfulness and infidelity, abuse, etc). But in many cases that I am aware of, someone or both gave into a “feeling” that they were experiencing or not experiencing and wanted to experience some more. CS compares this idea of helplessly falling in love to “something quite irresistible; something that just happens to one, like measles” (page 101). Good comparison.
But he also discusses the idea of Christians trying to impose their views of marriage and divorce on their unbelieving neighbors and their society. Which to me is absurd but it happens all the time. We somehow expect that those who aren’t Christians or don’t believe in God to live and act like those who do. Which is just crazy to me. And yet the way of enforcing that those who aren’t Christians act like those who are Christians is that we should make laws so that they “have” to like Christians. Again, absurd. Rather we ought to set the standard and then challenge people to live up to that commitment by making the commitment to honor God with their whole lives.
Good thoughts on marriage… from a guy who hasn’t ever done it.
Jim
In CS’s last chapter, he dealt with the issue of sexuality. This chapter, he turns to a somewhat expected topic when he talks about marriage. Which is similar to me talking about how to parent teenagers because CS is not married (or at least wasn’t married at the time of this writing by his own admission). (And it’s not that I don’t know anything about teenagers, their culture, trends or their lifestyles… because I do. It’s that I’m not sure that I can give practical advice on how to parent a teenager to the parents of teenagers since I have none of my own to try out my ‘theories.’) But his discussion of marriage is interesting.
First, he focuses his discussion on the idea of the promise behind marriage. Which I think is an excellent place to focus. He even goes so far as to dispute on several occasions the popular notion floating around in culture that marriage is all about feelings and how I respond to them. Instead, he focuses on the commitment aspect of marriage and how we ought to maintain that aspect in light of the fact that “feelings” change from time to time. (His example… my situation… this morning I felt hungry. After I had breakfast, I no longer felt hungry. Feelings change. But my commitment to my need to eat regularly continues regardless of whether I feel hungry at this moment remains.) I feel that this promise aspect of marriage is something that is currently lacking in Christian circles. I don’t feel, in terms of divorce situations, that we remind people of the fact that they made a commitment before God, their friends and themselves. Now, I am speaking of the majority of divorce cases in which one or the other “chooses” to get a divorce. I totally recognize that there are a group of situations in which one person had no choice in the matter or in which case, divorce was the only viable solution (marital unfaithfulness and infidelity, abuse, etc). But in many cases that I am aware of, someone or both gave into a “feeling” that they were experiencing or not experiencing and wanted to experience some more. CS compares this idea of helplessly falling in love to “something quite irresistible; something that just happens to one, like measles” (page 101). Good comparison.
But he also discusses the idea of Christians trying to impose their views of marriage and divorce on their unbelieving neighbors and their society. Which to me is absurd but it happens all the time. We somehow expect that those who aren’t Christians or don’t believe in God to live and act like those who do. Which is just crazy to me. And yet the way of enforcing that those who aren’t Christians act like those who are Christians is that we should make laws so that they “have” to like Christians. Again, absurd. Rather we ought to set the standard and then challenge people to live up to that commitment by making the commitment to honor God with their whole lives.
Good thoughts on marriage… from a guy who hasn’t ever done it.
Jim
Need Harmony - Skit Guys!!!
I love the Skit Guys! They are awesome!!! This is a great video! "I lowered my standards and this is what I ended up with..." I love the guy looking like Napoleon Dynamite!
Jim
View it HERE!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Simply Youth Ministry Live Podcast tomorrow!!!
Josh is reporting that tomorrow at noon (PT), 2 pm (CT), there is going to be a Live SYM Podcast on uStream. I participated in last week's live podcast the chat is great. I've already got my calendar marked and will be taking a late lunch so that I can participate.
It should be awesome! I can't wait!
Jim
Monday, March 31, 2008
Cubbies first day bummer...
Well...
I waited through the initial rain delay and then enjoyed an hour or so of good baseball before the second. Steve and I watched a bit this afternoon while we worked on the new student ministry website (fvcc.com/students) which will be launched later this week!!!
But then, because of Dinner for 5, I had to head out. When I left the church building, it was 0-0. By the time I got to the car, it was 3-0!!! But then Fuko hit the homerun in the bottom of the 9th to tie it up, I almost wrecked my car. So, I hurried into the apartment only to be disappointed in the bottom of the 10th.
Struggle.
Jim
I waited through the initial rain delay and then enjoyed an hour or so of good baseball before the second. Steve and I watched a bit this afternoon while we worked on the new student ministry website (fvcc.com/students) which will be launched later this week!!!
But then, because of Dinner for 5, I had to head out. When I left the church building, it was 0-0. By the time I got to the car, it was 3-0!!! But then Fuko hit the homerun in the bottom of the 9th to tie it up, I almost wrecked my car. So, I hurried into the apartment only to be disappointed in the bottom of the 10th.
Struggle.
Jim
Dinner for 5
Edit: Elisabeth went on to win... Ugh! Another Dinner for 5 without a win in Life for me.
Jim
Sunday, March 30, 2008
31...!
Well, it's official.
As of 10:00 pm, I'm officially 31 years old. Today was my birthday... and it's really lame to have your birthday on Sunday when you work in the church, but oh well...
It was a good birthday. Jackie made me a cake. We went out for dinner Thursday night. Many students left love on my Facebook page. Will and Clayton brought me a card to church tonight with some M&M's.
Overall... not too bad for 31.
Jim
As of 10:00 pm, I'm officially 31 years old. Today was my birthday... and it's really lame to have your birthday on Sunday when you work in the church, but oh well...
It was a good birthday. Jackie made me a cake. We went out for dinner Thursday night. Many students left love on my Facebook page. Will and Clayton brought me a card to church tonight with some M&M's.
Overall... not too bad for 31.
Jim
Cubbies opening day!!!
Tomorrow is the day that the Cubs begin the end of the 100 year drought. Tomorrow is opening day!!!
I've been watching a lot of the spring training. It should be a great home opener... if the weather doesn't ruin it.
But I'll be sporting my Cubbies gear tomorrow! And listening to the opener at 1:20 pm (CT)!!!
Go Cubs!!!
Jim
Kittens in their little red bed...
Zoe and Zelda were enjoying their little red bed tonight. I just thought I'd share.
Jim
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Spring Break Snow...
We had snow this afternoon and quite a bit of it. Did someone forget to tell the weather man that it's Spring Break? March 27?? I like winter, but this is a bit ridiculous...
Ugh!
Jim
Ugh!
Jim
First LIVE podcast...
I just finished watching my first Live Simply Youth Ministry Podcast... It was excellent... Until it came to a sudden and abrupt stop. But it was great. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
Jim
Jim
Panera Bread and Personal Space...
I've been making it a pretty regular habit that after my Thursday morning mens' Bible study that I stay at Panera Bread and do some work. For a couple of reasons: first, because they have pretty decent hazelnut coffee. But second because it's usually pretty quiet and third, I usually have reading to catch up on.
Well, I should have known better this morning. It's Spring Break here... so there were more people coming through the doors of Panera Bread and actually staying. And I've never been great at being able to concentrate and read when there is significant distraction.
But this morning was a different story.
We meet in a little conference room for our group. When our group is over, I typically stay in there but I leave the doors open. Most of the time, a couple of people have come in and pulled up a table and proceeded to do computer work, read or even take an occasional phone call.
This morning I was reading for class on Saturday (of which I have 15 pages left!!! Yay!!!). And this fellow walks in, looks at me, recognizes that I am reading, then plops down about 10 feet away. No big deal. But then another guy joins him and they begin to have a very loud (and I'm not shooting for exaggeration... I mean so loud that people outside of this little room were looking to see what was happening).
Now, I'm thinking: "You see someone reading... You know that you're loud... You know that you're going to be having a meeting. Why not pick a table AWAY FROM THE READER!!!!" But it's almost like he chose the opposite. Intentionally placing himself near the reader.
I read about 500 words and then left.
So I'm thinking about asking Panera Bread to put up a little sign that says... "Please be respectful of others... we're all trying to use this space together." Unbelievable!!!
Jim
Well, I should have known better this morning. It's Spring Break here... so there were more people coming through the doors of Panera Bread and actually staying. And I've never been great at being able to concentrate and read when there is significant distraction.
But this morning was a different story.
We meet in a little conference room for our group. When our group is over, I typically stay in there but I leave the doors open. Most of the time, a couple of people have come in and pulled up a table and proceeded to do computer work, read or even take an occasional phone call.
This morning I was reading for class on Saturday (of which I have 15 pages left!!! Yay!!!). And this fellow walks in, looks at me, recognizes that I am reading, then plops down about 10 feet away. No big deal. But then another guy joins him and they begin to have a very loud (and I'm not shooting for exaggeration... I mean so loud that people outside of this little room were looking to see what was happening).
Now, I'm thinking: "You see someone reading... You know that you're loud... You know that you're going to be having a meeting. Why not pick a table AWAY FROM THE READER!!!!" But it's almost like he chose the opposite. Intentionally placing himself near the reader.
I read about 500 words and then left.
So I'm thinking about asking Panera Bread to put up a little sign that says... "Please be respectful of others... we're all trying to use this space together." Unbelievable!!!
Jim
Thursday morning group...
This morning we had a great, great discussion about Boice's chapter 32 on "Temptation."
It was a small group... only 5 were here this morning... but it was a great conversation on temptation, the nature of temptation and more importantly, the nature of Jesus Christ. It was one of those days when as a Church History/Historical Theology major at LCS, I felt a little more equipped from my understanding of church history and the Bible, to have an intelligent part of the conversation (which is rare... usually the word intelligent doesn't appear in the same sentence with my name).
But it was a good discussion. In fact, we went over about 25 minutes this morning, which is rare in my experience.
It was NOT however a good morning getting up. Yesterday I was up early reading... and I still have some of that reading left (which I'm about to jump in on in a few). So, I was dragging quite a bit this morning when I got up. But I'm glad that I did. (And no Chris... it is NOT getting any easier!!!!)
Jim
It was a small group... only 5 were here this morning... but it was a great conversation on temptation, the nature of temptation and more importantly, the nature of Jesus Christ. It was one of those days when as a Church History/Historical Theology major at LCS, I felt a little more equipped from my understanding of church history and the Bible, to have an intelligent part of the conversation (which is rare... usually the word intelligent doesn't appear in the same sentence with my name).
But it was a good discussion. In fact, we went over about 25 minutes this morning, which is rare in my experience.
It was NOT however a good morning getting up. Yesterday I was up early reading... and I still have some of that reading left (which I'm about to jump in on in a few). So, I was dragging quite a bit this morning when I got up. But I'm glad that I did. (And no Chris... it is NOT getting any easier!!!!)
Jim
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Our cats are crazy...
So...
We've had Zoe and Zelda for about two weeks now. And I've noticed something unusual about them. We (my wife and I) both have laptops. And since we are in school and often working on schoolwork at the same time, we have our printer set up at home for wireless printing. Which is great!!! It's awesome to be able to sit on the couch and send a document to print without getting up, carrying the laptop into the den, plugging in and then waiting for the print (I know, I'm lazy... but get over it).
But I've noticed something about our cats. And I just noticed this again because it just happened... and it happens every time... every time they hear the printer engage to print, they both take off tearing through the apartment and dive onto the desk to see "the magical machine that makes noise and spits out paper" (I'm assuming that in their little cat-brains that's what they are thinking). But it's hilarious.
In fact over the weekend, Zoe jumped from so far out from the desk where the printer is at and she obviously forgot about not having front claws (which she doesn't), that she went flying into the window and almost fell behind the desk.
It's an usual trait... maybe I'll try to get it on video sometime and upload it to YouTube or something. Oh the humor of having two kittens in the house...
Jim
We've had Zoe and Zelda for about two weeks now. And I've noticed something unusual about them. We (my wife and I) both have laptops. And since we are in school and often working on schoolwork at the same time, we have our printer set up at home for wireless printing. Which is great!!! It's awesome to be able to sit on the couch and send a document to print without getting up, carrying the laptop into the den, plugging in and then waiting for the print (I know, I'm lazy... but get over it).
But I've noticed something about our cats. And I just noticed this again because it just happened... and it happens every time... every time they hear the printer engage to print, they both take off tearing through the apartment and dive onto the desk to see "the magical machine that makes noise and spits out paper" (I'm assuming that in their little cat-brains that's what they are thinking). But it's hilarious.
In fact over the weekend, Zoe jumped from so far out from the desk where the printer is at and she obviously forgot about not having front claws (which she doesn't), that she went flying into the window and almost fell behind the desk.
It's an usual trait... maybe I'll try to get it on video sometime and upload it to YouTube or something. Oh the humor of having two kittens in the house...
Jim
Ugh!!! Reading speed??!!
I am wrapping up a book for class on Saturday... that I have to write a response paper to...
This morning I got up after Jackie left for work at 4 am and read for 3 hours. And I only got 50 pages done!!!??? That's a measly 16.6 pages an hour or 3.5 minutes per page...
Gugh!
Jim
This morning I got up after Jackie left for work at 4 am and read for 3 hours. And I only got 50 pages done!!!??? That's a measly 16.6 pages an hour or 3.5 minutes per page...
Gugh!
Jim
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Master Mentor #16
Chapter 15 (Book 3, Chapter 5)
CS and I were having a great conversation about sex until the end of the chapter. Often, in reading this book, I find myself curious about the direction of CS’s conversation until the last couple of paragraphs and then it suddenly becomes clear what he is driving at.
This chapter was different. The whole course of the chapter, I found myself getting what he was saying and agreeing as we went along. He discussed sex in this chapter. And more importantly, he discussed the Christian virtue of chastity (of waiting for sex until marriage and then faithfulness to that person throughout life).
Part of what I liked about this chapter is that he was discussing one of the topics that bothers most people in the church. Most Christians have the idea that sex is “dirty” and “not something to be taught in church.” And on both accounts, in my opinion and from what I’ve seen in the Bible, they would be wrong. The Bible talks about sex, how it should be handled and what is the right way to view sex and sexuality. And I love to teach on this subject to students. Mostly because students also share that opinion that sex isn’t something to be talked about in church.
Then CS said something that I really disagree with. In the very last paragraph of this chapter, CS seems to make the case that although sex and sexual sins are bad, they aren’t the worst of sins. On one side, I agree with what he is saying. Most people have the idea that if they mess up sexually, they have messed up completely and beyond all repair. That simply isn’t true. Sexual sin like all other sin is capable of forgiveness. God can and will forgive you, even if you mess up sexually. That shouldn’t give you license to do so, but it should give you hope that if you have tried and failed, it’s not over for you.
But in my experience with people… both students in the church, those I have had conversations with and my own experience… sexual sin can be some of the most damaging and long-lasting of any sin. The ghosts and memories that linger can be extremely difficult to eliminate. CS even goes so far as to say that sins of pride, patronizing and hatred are worse sins than sexual mistakes and I simply don’t agree with that.
Sexual sins, like other sins, can be forgiven. But they also leave deep and lasting scars that don’t heal as easily and in many cases, remain with you for your entire life.
One thing that I did find interesting about this chapter, was in CS’s discussion of his culture and it’s obsession with sex and sexuality on its posters, movies and advertisements. If he thought his culture was saturated with sex, he should see our culture in 2008!!!
Jim
CS and I were having a great conversation about sex until the end of the chapter. Often, in reading this book, I find myself curious about the direction of CS’s conversation until the last couple of paragraphs and then it suddenly becomes clear what he is driving at.
This chapter was different. The whole course of the chapter, I found myself getting what he was saying and agreeing as we went along. He discussed sex in this chapter. And more importantly, he discussed the Christian virtue of chastity (of waiting for sex until marriage and then faithfulness to that person throughout life).
Part of what I liked about this chapter is that he was discussing one of the topics that bothers most people in the church. Most Christians have the idea that sex is “dirty” and “not something to be taught in church.” And on both accounts, in my opinion and from what I’ve seen in the Bible, they would be wrong. The Bible talks about sex, how it should be handled and what is the right way to view sex and sexuality. And I love to teach on this subject to students. Mostly because students also share that opinion that sex isn’t something to be talked about in church.
Then CS said something that I really disagree with. In the very last paragraph of this chapter, CS seems to make the case that although sex and sexual sins are bad, they aren’t the worst of sins. On one side, I agree with what he is saying. Most people have the idea that if they mess up sexually, they have messed up completely and beyond all repair. That simply isn’t true. Sexual sin like all other sin is capable of forgiveness. God can and will forgive you, even if you mess up sexually. That shouldn’t give you license to do so, but it should give you hope that if you have tried and failed, it’s not over for you.
But in my experience with people… both students in the church, those I have had conversations with and my own experience… sexual sin can be some of the most damaging and long-lasting of any sin. The ghosts and memories that linger can be extremely difficult to eliminate. CS even goes so far as to say that sins of pride, patronizing and hatred are worse sins than sexual mistakes and I simply don’t agree with that.
Sexual sins, like other sins, can be forgiven. But they also leave deep and lasting scars that don’t heal as easily and in many cases, remain with you for your entire life.
One thing that I did find interesting about this chapter, was in CS’s discussion of his culture and it’s obsession with sex and sexuality on its posters, movies and advertisements. If he thought his culture was saturated with sex, he should see our culture in 2008!!!
Jim
Master Mentor #15
Chapter 14 (Book 3, Chapter 4)
CS begins this chapter by turning to a discussion of what the “Christian idea of a good man (or woman I would assume) is – the Christian specification for the human machine.” And he has a discussion of the choices that we make and how that affects who we are as people. Then he says this:
“People often think of Christian morality as the kind of bargain in which God says, ‘If you keep a lot of rules I’ll reward you, and if you don’t I’ll do the other thing.’ I do not think that is the best way of looking at it. I would much rather say that every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself.”
In my estimation, CS is right on with this. Many people do have the notion that being a Christian or a follower and lover of Christ, means that you have to do this and that and that other thing (i.e. go to church, be nice, give your money at the church when they pass the plate, hat or bag depending on where you go and an assortment of other things). But it would seem to me that each decision that I make either turns me a little bit more and more toward God or away from God.
When I get up the morning, I am faced with however many hundreds or thousands of decisions. Brush my teeth or not? Shower or not? Breakfast or not? And then I leave for work and I have a hundred more decisions. Which way to work? Randall? Peck? What kind of music? Should I listen to a podcast? And each of those decisions while trivial may bring me closer to God or further away from God. Even a simple decision like brushing my teeth means that I am taking care of the body that God has given me so that it can continue to serve me and I can continue to serve God with it long into my life. A simple decision like listening to music or a podcast could have a huge impact on my day. Maybe I would listen to a daily devotional podcast that at some point come up in my day and prepare me to handle it better. Or maybe by listening to a specific type of music, I am more prepared for the day.
And I realize that in the midst of all of these things, it’s easy to get lost. It’s easy to drive yourself with all the possibilities. My hope and prayer is that God is somehow leading my decisions and helping direct me into a path that leads me to making decisions that bring me a little bit closer to Him. That I would make decisions that would bring me into more harmony with the Creator of the universe, my fellow man (and women) and with myself.
Good stuff.
Jim
CS begins this chapter by turning to a discussion of what the “Christian idea of a good man (or woman I would assume) is – the Christian specification for the human machine.” And he has a discussion of the choices that we make and how that affects who we are as people. Then he says this:
“People often think of Christian morality as the kind of bargain in which God says, ‘If you keep a lot of rules I’ll reward you, and if you don’t I’ll do the other thing.’ I do not think that is the best way of looking at it. I would much rather say that every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself.”
In my estimation, CS is right on with this. Many people do have the notion that being a Christian or a follower and lover of Christ, means that you have to do this and that and that other thing (i.e. go to church, be nice, give your money at the church when they pass the plate, hat or bag depending on where you go and an assortment of other things). But it would seem to me that each decision that I make either turns me a little bit more and more toward God or away from God.
When I get up the morning, I am faced with however many hundreds or thousands of decisions. Brush my teeth or not? Shower or not? Breakfast or not? And then I leave for work and I have a hundred more decisions. Which way to work? Randall? Peck? What kind of music? Should I listen to a podcast? And each of those decisions while trivial may bring me closer to God or further away from God. Even a simple decision like brushing my teeth means that I am taking care of the body that God has given me so that it can continue to serve me and I can continue to serve God with it long into my life. A simple decision like listening to music or a podcast could have a huge impact on my day. Maybe I would listen to a daily devotional podcast that at some point come up in my day and prepare me to handle it better. Or maybe by listening to a specific type of music, I am more prepared for the day.
And I realize that in the midst of all of these things, it’s easy to get lost. It’s easy to drive yourself with all the possibilities. My hope and prayer is that God is somehow leading my decisions and helping direct me into a path that leads me to making decisions that bring me a little bit closer to Him. That I would make decisions that would bring me into more harmony with the Creator of the universe, my fellow man (and women) and with myself.
Good stuff.
Jim
Busy...
Yesterday was a busy day...
Jim
- Easter weekend was great... especially hanging with the Pauley's and the Reffett's which is always excellent.
- I led Staff Meeting yesterday... unexpectantly.
- I pounded out a small group lesson... that we didn't need because it's Spring Break.
- I had a meeting with a lady about a potential mortgage... Jackie and I are thinking about buying/building a house this summer.
- I spent the night last night working on an assignment for today... which I completed.
- I had class today... which was good as usual.
- I'm catching up on some blogging... always good.
Jim
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Master Mentor #14
Chapter 13 (Book 3, Chapter 3)
In this chapter, CS begins to talk about “social morality.” And he begins to talk about it in the sense of giving to the needy… or charity. He talks about how if we were to see a community that was totally doing what we were supposed to be doing as a Christian community, we would all like some of it and not other parts.
Towards the end of the chapter, he turns directly to giving. And he sets down an interesting rule. CS’s rule is that we should give more than we can spare. When was the last time that we gave that way? Maybe… never.
Most of the time, when a request comes from someone that we know, we ask the question… “What can we afford to give?” And then we give that amount. CS is saying that we should ask that question and then maybe double it. That’s a scary thought because he is saying that we should do without something in order to meet the need. And then he goes on to hit exactly why we don’t give that way… “For many of us the great obstacle to charity lies not in our luxurious living or desire for more money, but in our fear – fear of insecurity” (page 82). And he’s right. We’re afraid that we won’t be able to pay our bills. We’re afraid that we won’t be able to have all the things that we want that we think will make us feel successful and better in life.
That’s why most of us like the idea of a tithe. We like the idea that once we have given our “10%”… then we’re done and nothing else is required of you. And that was fine for the legalism of the Old Testament. But doesn’t seem to be carried over to the New Testament lifestyle. Jesus never commanded a 10%. Paul never commanded a 10%. But we like the 10% because it’s clean, easy and achievable and when I get done I can feel good about myself. But CS’s idea of giving more than I can spare scares me a bit. And maybe that’s good.
Jim
In this chapter, CS begins to talk about “social morality.” And he begins to talk about it in the sense of giving to the needy… or charity. He talks about how if we were to see a community that was totally doing what we were supposed to be doing as a Christian community, we would all like some of it and not other parts.
Towards the end of the chapter, he turns directly to giving. And he sets down an interesting rule. CS’s rule is that we should give more than we can spare. When was the last time that we gave that way? Maybe… never.
Most of the time, when a request comes from someone that we know, we ask the question… “What can we afford to give?” And then we give that amount. CS is saying that we should ask that question and then maybe double it. That’s a scary thought because he is saying that we should do without something in order to meet the need. And then he goes on to hit exactly why we don’t give that way… “For many of us the great obstacle to charity lies not in our luxurious living or desire for more money, but in our fear – fear of insecurity” (page 82). And he’s right. We’re afraid that we won’t be able to pay our bills. We’re afraid that we won’t be able to have all the things that we want that we think will make us feel successful and better in life.
That’s why most of us like the idea of a tithe. We like the idea that once we have given our “10%”… then we’re done and nothing else is required of you. And that was fine for the legalism of the Old Testament. But doesn’t seem to be carried over to the New Testament lifestyle. Jesus never commanded a 10%. Paul never commanded a 10%. But we like the 10% because it’s clean, easy and achievable and when I get done I can feel good about myself. But CS’s idea of giving more than I can spare scares me a bit. And maybe that’s good.
Jim
His Ways... Day 14... Kathi Colton
Today is the final day for the "His Ways" Journal. Today's devotion... by Kathi Colton is from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14:
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
Today, Kathi shared a very personal story of her grandson's unexpected death. She shared about the happenings and the aftermath in a very revealing way. She said that Joshua's brother reminded her of a very important truth at the hospital shortly after his death... that "Joshua got to see God."
Death is a painful thing. An incredibly painful thing.
But it is also an incredible thing for the Christian. Today is Easter. And that is the best of days for the Christian. Today is the day that Jesus proved that death had no claim on those who trust in Jesus. After 3 days in the tomb, Jesus powerfully came out and showed himself to his disciples. That proof gives us hope that one day soon we will be with him for eternity.
Kathi shared the dream that she had about Joshua's casket being lifted to heaven. That's a dream that we can all share... although probably without the casket. Someday... for those who believe in Jesus Christ and what he did so many years ago on that first Easter morning... we will be raised to new life to worship God forever in eternity. So, while death may still be painful here... it's "sting" is gone. Thankfully...
Jim
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
Today, Kathi shared a very personal story of her grandson's unexpected death. She shared about the happenings and the aftermath in a very revealing way. She said that Joshua's brother reminded her of a very important truth at the hospital shortly after his death... that "Joshua got to see God."
Death is a painful thing. An incredibly painful thing.
But it is also an incredible thing for the Christian. Today is Easter. And that is the best of days for the Christian. Today is the day that Jesus proved that death had no claim on those who trust in Jesus. After 3 days in the tomb, Jesus powerfully came out and showed himself to his disciples. That proof gives us hope that one day soon we will be with him for eternity.
Kathi shared the dream that she had about Joshua's casket being lifted to heaven. That's a dream that we can all share... although probably without the casket. Someday... for those who believe in Jesus Christ and what he did so many years ago on that first Easter morning... we will be raised to new life to worship God forever in eternity. So, while death may still be painful here... it's "sting" is gone. Thankfully...
Jim
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter thoughts...
I'm sitting here on the couch watching "The Passion of the Christ." And I'm thinking about communion tomorrow as I've been asked to give the meditation.
Whatever you think about the Passion... like it or hate it... I personally like it. As a movie, there are parts in the movie that I can't watch... because it's just too real. One of those parts is the scene where they are whipping Him in preparation for crucifixion.
And as I'm watching this... I'm reading these words from The prophet Isaiah...
"2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. "
The reality is that most movies aren't based in reality. They are based in fiction. But the Passion... the Passion is based on the reality of what Jesus endured because I had gone astray. And tomorrow... Tomorrow I have the opportunity to honor Him in his resurrection!!!
Thanks Jesus for what you endured for me.
Jim
Whatever you think about the Passion... like it or hate it... I personally like it. As a movie, there are parts in the movie that I can't watch... because it's just too real. One of those parts is the scene where they are whipping Him in preparation for crucifixion.
And as I'm watching this... I'm reading these words from The prophet Isaiah...
"2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. "
The reality is that most movies aren't based in reality. They are based in fiction. But the Passion... the Passion is based on the reality of what Jesus endured because I had gone astray. And tomorrow... Tomorrow I have the opportunity to honor Him in his resurrection!!!
Thanks Jesus for what you endured for me.
Jim
Master Mentor #13
Chapter 12 (Book 3 – Chapter 2)
I found out in this chapter, that the previous chapter was so full of examples and illustrations because it was part of a 10-minute radio talk. CS attempted to make his discussion as quick and to the point as he could possibly be so that folks would understand him.
In this chapter… he follows up by talking about the same principles as the previous chapter, but instead, he begins to talk about them in terms of seven virtues. Four of which, he classifies as “Cardinal” (meaning all people recognize) and the final three of which, we calls “Theological” (meaning those that would be recognized by Christians only). In this chapter, he then goes on to talk about these four cardinal virtues of “Prudence,” “Temperance,” “Justice,” and “Fortitude.”
It’s interesting that the words that he chooses here in this chapter may have been words from a more classical meaning. But these words also don’t carry much significance in this day and age. In fact, they would likely need to be renamed with other markers for more clear understand. Prudence would be more likely understood as wisdom or common sense. Temperance would be better understood as balance. Justice would be that notion of fairness and Fortitude better understood as courage.
He then goes on to say that these are the things that should characterize our lives if we want to be the kind of people that God is calling us to be. God isn’t asking for these things to simply show up, but that we would be people who would be known in our character for these. Which leads me to think… Is my life a life that is characterized by wisdom, balance, fairness and courage?
Jim
I found out in this chapter, that the previous chapter was so full of examples and illustrations because it was part of a 10-minute radio talk. CS attempted to make his discussion as quick and to the point as he could possibly be so that folks would understand him.
In this chapter… he follows up by talking about the same principles as the previous chapter, but instead, he begins to talk about them in terms of seven virtues. Four of which, he classifies as “Cardinal” (meaning all people recognize) and the final three of which, we calls “Theological” (meaning those that would be recognized by Christians only). In this chapter, he then goes on to talk about these four cardinal virtues of “Prudence,” “Temperance,” “Justice,” and “Fortitude.”
It’s interesting that the words that he chooses here in this chapter may have been words from a more classical meaning. But these words also don’t carry much significance in this day and age. In fact, they would likely need to be renamed with other markers for more clear understand. Prudence would be more likely understood as wisdom or common sense. Temperance would be better understood as balance. Justice would be that notion of fairness and Fortitude better understood as courage.
He then goes on to say that these are the things that should characterize our lives if we want to be the kind of people that God is calling us to be. God isn’t asking for these things to simply show up, but that we would be people who would be known in our character for these. Which leads me to think… Is my life a life that is characterized by wisdom, balance, fairness and courage?
Jim
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